The pair shared a fist-bump when they realised they were both each other's heroes

By Brittany Vonow

30th August 2017, 9:36 am

Updated: 30th August 2017, 10:30 am

THIS is the heart-warming moment a blinded war vet meets a five-year-old he dubs "a hero".

Simon Brown was left heavily-scarred after a sniper shot a bullet through his face in Iraq, with the 38-year-old lucky to survive the brutal assault that left him with just 20 per cent of his sight.

Help for Heroes

Temperance explained she had been nervous to take part in the triathlon but wanted to so she could support war veterans

Help for Heroes

Simon Brown explained how he was injured during a rescue mission in Iraq, losing most of his sight - but said Tempy was his hero

Help for Heroes

The pair shared a fist bump after realising they were each other's heroes

But the soldier of 13 years was left smiling after meeting five-year-old Tempy Pattinson, with the young girl having raised money for war vets by taking part in a triathlon for Help for Heroes.

Simon, of Leeds, shared his story with little Tempy - who said she preferred to be called her full name, Temperance - telling her: "In 2006 I was injured whilst on a rescue missing in Iraq.

"I was shot by a sniper and I was very fortunate to survive.

"When I came home I found out that I'd lost my sight and I had to rebuild my life after being told that I was going to be a blind man and leave the army."

Tempy listened to Simon's story before telling him about why she decided to get involved with Help for Heroes, saying: "Even though I didn't know any of the soldiers I just thought that they did something for us.

"I thought I could give a present back to them by raising them money."

PA:Press Association

The pair discussed what it meant to be a hero in the heart-warming video

Tempy began to support Help for Heroes when she was just three, having spotted a poppy and asking her mum about the sacrifices made by soldiers.

Chatting to Simon, Tempy, of Darlington, County Durham, told him: "I'm quite proud of the soldiers."

But Simon, who needed 25 operations and hours of surgery to rebuild his face, was quick to respond, telling Tempy: "I'm telling you now, that the soldiers are also very proud of you.

"I'm 38 - and a half - and I can't do a triathlon."

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The war hero said he was impressed with the little girl's determination to take part in a triathlon - particularly as she still needed stablisers on her bike.

He added: "It's because of the challenges that you do and the money you raise and the support you get that people like me can get better.

"People like you are our heroes".

Tempy then jumped in, saying: "And people like you are mine."

The pair then shared a fist bump, agreeing: "it works".

The pair met as part of series of encounters filmed by Help for Heroes to celebrate the bonds between supporters and veterans

Help for Heroes

Simon Brown said he was proud of the little girl

Help for Heroes

Tempy said she wanted to give a present back to those who had served

Simon is one of at least 66,000 ex-military personnel with life-changing injuries and illnesses in the UK who are in need of support.

Mark Elliott, who helped Bryn and Emma Parry set up the charity in 2007 and is current Advocacy Ambassador for Help for Heroes, said: “I met Si soon after his injury and I have had the honour to see his progression through recovery first-hand.

"Simon is quite simply extraordinary – his inner strength has enabled him to adapt to his horrific injuries with immense courage and have a wonderful perspective on life and sense of humour.

"Over the years Simon has proved to an inspiration not just to myself, but many others who have met him, like Tempy."

He added: "It is so important that people from completely different backgrounds and ages can connect through a common cause, and that is exactly what we see here. Help for Heroes is a movement and its inspiration is Heroes like Simon Brown."

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